9) Laos – GDP per capita: $3,100

More than a third of the population of Laos continues to live below the global poverty line of US$ 1.25 PPP a day. Even though the nation has benefited by rapid economic growth, not all sections of the population are experiencing the benefits.

8) Papua New Guinea – GDP per capita: $2,283

Papua New Guinea is a resource-rich, low-income nation. Around 40 percent of the nation’s population lives in poverty. The lack of formal employment opportunities for the burgeoning youth population is one of the main reasons for poverty in PNG. As of now, the nation is not on track to meet any of the Millennium Development Goals.